Carefree. Spontaneous. Adventurous. There’s nothing like the feeling you get from a good old-fashioned American road trip. You can make as many or as few plans as you like. Pack a bag, your sense of curiosity, and maybe a map (remember those?) and hit the open road. We’ve got a little help, a lot of inspiration, and everything you need to plan a road trip and get started on the journey of a lifetime.
From LA to the Grand Canyon
430 Miles
From tinseltown to treasured wonder of the world, this awe-inspiring Southwest road trip takes you through mystical Joshua Tree National Park, past historic Prescott, and along the kitschy shops and restaurants of legendary Route 66 to your destination: the majestic Grand Canyon. Take the historic railway to the South Rim before heading back to LA through the vast Mojave National Preserve.
From Phoenix to the Grand Canyon
160 Miles
Cactus strewn deserts, swaying grass lands, and jaw-dropping natural beauty. Welcome to the ultimate Arizona road trip. Breeze through this itinerary for a quick weekend getaway or take your time to explore every delight along the way. From sunny Phoenix, visit a well-preserved cliff dwelling and the stunning red rock vistas of Sedona. Take in the nostalgia of Route 66 and the rich legacy of the old west on your way to the adventure of the Grand Canyon.
Los Angeles to The Oasis at Death Valley
290 Miles
From the glitz and glamour of LA, to the otherworldly magic of Death Valley, this is a journey of extremes. Start your road trip with a visit to the beachy vibes of Santa Monica Pier. Then, onto the colorful canyons of Red Rock Canyon State Park, the spectacular Trona Pinnacles, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, a photographer’s dream. After soaking up a stay at the Oasis at Death Valley, detour to the western-style town of Lone Pine on your way back to the city.
San Francisco to The Oasis at Death Valley
509 Miles
Don’t leave your heart in San Francisco, because this epic road trip is bound to capture it. Follow the road from the incomparable Yosemite National Park to the outdoorsy adventure enclave of Bishop, the western-style town of Lone Pine to a sea of sand at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. Enjoy the haven that is Oasis at Death Valley before heading back to the Bay by way of the Sierra mountain towns of Mammoth Lakes and Lee Vining.
We get it, the scenery is beautiful but even on the most spectacular of road trips, it can be tough to pass the time. From the best highway tunes to coloring and games, here are some fun distractions to keep everyone from wondering, Are we there yet?
Before you set out on your grand adventure, keep these tips in mind: